I love authentic creative energy. As a songwriter living in Nashville, I see it everywhere!
It makes me think of the quote, “be yourself, everyone else is taken.”
I remember in my senior year, one of my favorite teachers asked us to write the paper, “Who Am I?” It was cathartic for me and if I read that paper today, I’m sure some of my creative dreams have come true.
My creative goals have gotten more defined, have morphed and changed since those high school days and sometimes it has be difficult to accept that being myself is much easier that trying to be everyone else.
Sometimes it is so hard to be authentic, especially as a songwriter. As writers, we may find yourself following a trend, which in my experience is not the best way to go. As commercial songwriters we are expected to be constantly changing. I think change is great as long as it’s for the better, making you a better communicator, a better lyricist,
a more emotional melody writer.
Are you trying to find ways for more creative outlets in your own life? Making time for creativity isn’t always easy. However, making time for creative expression can be one of the best ways to practice self care. You may not be giving yourself the time you need to chase a creative passion. If you are thinking that your creative dreams are just pie-in-the-sky dreams, then you need to recognize your gifts and give them the time YOU deserve to give them.
In my April article, “Power Words,” I asked you to list your own power words. If you haven’t done this already, please make your list. Don’t think too hard about this, but let your authentic self guide you to pick words that describe your personality and passion.
Now, take a few minutes to continue more discovery about your creative self.
- What are your creative strengths? Make a list of 5 strengths
- What are your creative limitations? Make a list of 5 limitations
- What is special about your creative authenticity?
One of the best parts of discovering your own authenticity is to seek out and network with others who share your same creative passion. Yes, it’s time for a little creative camaraderie.
I hope you will have fun letting your beautiful authentic self shine through in whatever you do creatively.
Please write to me and share your experiences with “being yourself.”
Whatever you do, stay inspired!
Nashville-based hit songwriter Kirsti Manna’s 6-week #1 Billboard chart smash hit “Austin” introduced Blake Shelton (NBC’s “The Voice”) to country radio. She is a creativity expert, keynote speaker/performer and publisher. The go-to person for inspirational information, her mantra “Whatever You Do, Stay Inspired” empowers creatives everywhere to find their voice.
To learn more about Kirsti, visit www.Kirsti.com.
Nashville-based hit songwriter Kirsti Manna's 6-week #1 Billboard chart smash hit "Austin" introduced Blake Shelton (NBC's "The Voice") to country radio. She is a creativity expert, keynote speaker/performer, and publisher. The go-to person for inspirational information, her mantra “Whatever You Do, Stay Inspired” empowers creatives everywhere to find their voice.
